(All photos are mine unless noted.)
The Real lies underneath in the felt sense of everything.
As we learn to see with the inner eyes we all have,
perceptions will give way to clarity, and a greater sense of inner peace.
The photos in this week's post reflect a little of what I see as the camera releases its shutter - the rest of the "seen" image at the time of shooting is developed in the computer as what lately is a meditation practice in which I look with all senses - inner and outer. In turn I find I am developing a felt sense of the real image, perhaps as God's Spirit is calling me to look at the things of Creation in a non scientifically precise way but perhaps along with God as an active partner/mentor teaching me a new way.
The photographs are becoming more of a contemplative view rather than 'this is a tree,' or, 'Yes it's the ocean.' What I am feeling, if that word can be used to describe this process, is an involvement with images that brings together poetry, metaphor and all sorts of allegory (representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms.) Whatever is happening I only have a few words to express what is mostly a wordless process so I will stop here before I get lost in the attempt to write about what may be the case. All I really know is that the Spirit is moving again and I am simply going along for the ride and bringing a camera along.
Look for what is underneath all surfaces
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I am adding a new item to the posts which
will be a weekly bit of insight by Anthony DeMello who is a master of story and
simplicity of insight. DeMello was a Jesuit Priest who I had the good fortune
to meet before he died when he was in residence at the Ignatian Retreat House
in Manhasset, New York. His spiritual
origins are in his Indian background tied into Hinduism and the many religions
that are prevalent in the Asian Subcontinent. Unfortunately his work was never
given any official recognition by the Catholic hierarchy who claimed he did not
follow precisely the dogma and doctrine of the Church. A shame as many who
would have benefited from his insights may have not come in contact with his
books as they are not sold in a lot of catholic bookstores.
So, I'll call this by the title of DeMello's
book –
"One Minute
Nonsense"
"Enlightenment," said the Master,
"means knowing precisely where you are at any given moment – "not an
easy task at all!"
And he told of a popular friend of his who
was, even in his late eighties, invited to dozens of functions. Once he was
spotted at a party and was asked how many he was attending that night.
"Six," said the elderly gentleman,
without taking his eyes off his little notebook.
"What are you doing? Seeing where you
are going next?" they asked him
"No," said the dynamic fellow.
"Finding out where I am now."
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Inner growth happens usually by the light of the moon,
deep into the night's travelings.
The moon reflects God's Light softly so we are not blinded -
wake up, open the window and let the healing Love in.
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- The Story of a Flower -
In the
season of wild strawberries
I came from the earth as a flower
High on a hill above my village, with only
The Eagle, the
Buffalo, the Bear, and the Butterfly
To watch my
petals unfold.
The Eagle
spoke first. He said:
Sister, you will never have wings like me,
Except in the pathways of your dreams,
Yet you will
fly to the top of the sky
Because I
give you the Gift of Courage.
The Buffalo
spoke next. He said:
Sister, you will never survive a long time
like me,
Except on the trail of your memories,
Yet you will
see a thousand winters go by
Because I
give you the Gift of Endurance.
The Bear
spoke next. He said:
Sister, you will never know the secrets
Of the four-Legged Animals, since you are
only a flower,
Yet the
knowledge of all creatures is yours
Because I
give you the Gift of Wisdom.
The Butterfly
spoke next. She said:
Sister, you believe you are very important,
Because the creatures have given their gifts
to you,
Yet here on
this hill you will always be at home
Because I
give you the Gift of Humility.
So I have
lived for many seasons,
Among the Eagle, the Buffalo, the Bear, and
the Butterfly,
Watching the birds go by, speaking to rain
and sky.
My colors
have been the colors of the rainbow.
My beauty
has given joy to all who see me.
To bloom
even when there is no rain
Requires the Courage of the Eagle.
To last
through the heavy snows of winter
Requires the Endurance of the Buffalo.
To
understand the importance of all seasons
Requires the Wisdom of the Bear.
But to
rejoice when my blossoms die
Requires only the Butterfly's Humility.
Nancy Wood (From: Spirit
Walker. )
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And some humor -
Peace and happiness this week, Bill Lagerstrom
